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2005 Reserve Merlot

90 points, Wine Spectator



"This classic Washington state Merlot offers dark fruit aromas with hints of spice and slight pepper aromas which lead to a soft, velvety palate of chocolate and blackberry flavors. All of the fruit notes mingle harmoniously on the long, complex finish." — Ray Einberger, Winemaker

Growing Season

  • Harvest commenced as one of the earliest harvests on record.
  • Warm summer months and cool evenings contributed to the uniformity of berry maturation.
  • A temperature drop in late summer cooled the vineyard and allowed the grapes extra hang time to enhance flavor and aromatic development.
  • Moderate weather conditions during harvest contributed to mature fruit with intense flavors, good sugar development, and high natural acidity across varietals.

Vineyards

  • Fruit was handpicked from the vintage’s best vineyards for Columbia Crest’s Reserve Merlot.
  • Vineyard sites are located on the Wahluke Slope, offering aromatics, texture and complexity; in the Cold Creek area, adding to the flavor and fruitiness; and in the Horse Heaven Hills, contributing balance and body to the finished wine.
  • The balance between warm daytime temperatures and cooler evenings concentrated aromatics and enhanced complexity.
  • Low rainfall stressed the vines, and irrigation was applied judiciously to create concentrated varietal expression.

Vinification

  • Grapes were crushed with 30% whole berries remaining.
  • Cold soaking on the skins for two days extracted soft tannins and intense color.
  • Fermentation, including twice-daily pumpovers, lasted 6-10 days, depending on the lot.
  • A portion of the wine went through malolactic fermentation, which occurred in primarily new French oak barrels.
  • The wine aged in new barrels for 24 months.

Vineyards • 100% Columbia Valley
Blend........95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc
Alcohol......14.2%
Acidity.......0.60 g/100mL
pH............3.54

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